sound cards versus integrated sound

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 18 Oct 2004 11:47 am

I have a Creative Labs 1373 sound card in my PC and it works fine for the things I want to do - home recording using "Studio" and "Goldwave", playing MIDI's etc.
I am now looking at buying a new PC, and it's apparent that the integrated (on-board) sound on new systems is a lot more sophisticated than it used to be. So - do I still need a separate sound card for what I want to do or will the integrated sound (that comes 'free') be good enough ?
(One system I am looking at claims to have " AC 97 Codec 5.1 Channel" sound, another has "ADI AD1980 6 channel CODEC". I suspect these are significant if you want surround sound for gaming - I don't; I've just got 2 speakers and a sub-woofer )

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 18 Oct 2004 12:46 pm

The only time I've run into a problem with on-board sound was with a couple of video editing packages that responded that the on-board sound system wasn't "fast" enough. Had to use the Creative Labs Audigy card to make the editing software happy.

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 18 Oct 2004 7:34 pm

If you're not recording, them most of the sound "parts" on newer motherboards sound fine. If you're recording, then you'll want to get a pro level card. And they're getting cheaper. For MIDI, you can get SoundFonts that sound as real as any pro gear. You'll just need a program (or some soundcards) that will play them.

------------------
Gary Shepherd

Sierra Session 12

www.16tracks.com

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 19 Oct 2004 1:51 am

If I get an Audigy card, say, can I still use it with "2.1" or do I have to add extra speakers (even though I don't want to have 'surround sound' as I dont watch DVDs and dont play games) ?
How difficult is it to install such a card yourself ?

George Wixon · Post by **George Wixon** » 19 Oct 2004 2:15 am

If you get the Audigy card you do not have to use all the speakers. When you first install the software it will ask you for yor speaker set up and if you don't choose it there you can do it after the install is done as well.
Installation is about a half hour at the most.
Put the sound card in an open pci slot and run the cable for your cd/dvd player/writer to it then close up the cover and plug in your speaker system. Install the software and your done.
If this is a new system you will have to disable the onboard sound.
George
edited for adding the install<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by George Wixon on 19 October 2004 at 03:21 AM.]</p></FONT>

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 19 Oct 2004 3:19 am

Sounds like an Audigy 2 would be fine, but I hate to waste the integrated sound if its good enough. Although I do recording, its pretty low-tech stuff (just a mike stuck in front of my guitar amp) so I might not notice the drop in quality.

Can you get "simultaneous playback and recording" with the integrated sound that comes with a modern high-end system ?

George Wixon · Post by **George Wixon** » 19 Oct 2004 1:01 pm

Most all new systems are full duplex now so the answer is yes. My mother board is about 5 years old and it had both the video and sound on board. I tried using the board with recording first but didn't like the results so I added in the sound card and disabled the on board sound.
One thing with my on board sound is that there is only one input for recording and that is a mic input and not a line input. I may use either one when recording so that was another reason I went with the sound card.
I would say try it first before sinking any monies out for a sound card and if you don't like it then invest in a card
George

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 19 Oct 2004 1:29 pm

thanks for all the tips everyone

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 19 Oct 2004 7:02 pm

I have an external sound device, the Creative Labs "Extigy". It hook up via USB and provides digital I/O, MIDI, line, mic, headphones, etc. Works real well.

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 20 Oct 2004 2:15 am

I found a review of the Extigy here .

Travis Bernhardt · Post by **Travis Bernhardt** » 20 Oct 2004 12:01 pm

I would go with a a PCI card, if only for the extra ins and outs. They're really, really cheap nowadays, too. I bought the E-MU 0404, and have been very happy with it.

If all you're doing is mic'ing the amp and going directly into the computer then you might consider buying a mic pre-amp rather than an extra sound card.

-Travis